The Washington critic., 1887-02-19
THE REFUGEE.


haps on GO, with closely clipped hair,
and hat which Wilhelm could not
help thinking was one size or more too
big for him. A little old man with sad
eyes, but with pleasant voice, and a
smile that often quite banished all
trace Of melancholy from his face.
But Wilhem-ihe head waiter at the
diney old Paris restaurant, where for
months he had presented himself at the
iame hour daily-had taken to him
from the very first, and as the gentle.
man seemed to court retirement, used
invariably to ensconce him In the snug
gest corner of the room, not far from
the charcoal stovc-the time was win.
ter-and with no other companions save
pair of tabby cats.
what Is 1t To- day2'" NJ. Albano
would inquire, as he seated himself at
his table, with his feet on u morscl of
goatskin placed there for then. "What
is ii to day, Wilhelm"
And Wilhelm used invariably 10
place white, dimpled forefnger
against the name of some particular
dish on the card, and that was the dish
nj. Albano invariably chose.
1t was not long before Wilhelm
found out that NJ. Albano was, like
himself, Hungarian, and, like him.
self, an exile They were friends in.
deed after this. Wilhelm told the
little old man his story, and to some
extent the little old man told Wilhelm
his. There was some difference, never.
theless, in their stations In life, for in
his own dear land NJ. Albano had been
count, while Wilhelm had been but
junior engineer.
"And so you are really going?" said
Wilhelm, as he stood one day near his
friend, the empty soup-bowl in his right
hand
"Really going, Wilhelm"
ooh dear Monsieur, / shall sadly
miss you. Is 1t Brussels, Monsieur,
Berlin, or Moscow? You say you
have had engagements at all these
places"
mo. no." replied M. Albano,
sadly; "it is neither of these places.
am done with them all-done with
the world, might say. l am going
home"
what - cried Wilhelm, with
Frightening cyes-"home to our dear
land Of"
May, nav, nay; never there again.
What matters Imperial forgiveness
Can king mend Il broken heart, even
If he could restore my fortunes
Could l gaze without grief on those
green wooded hills and valleys that
once were mine? Could mingle with
the good people who dwell thcre-and
who once called me lord-without sad.
ness No, Wilhelm, no. My home Is
near London, the home of the refugee,
the only city in the whole world amid
the hustle and stir of which an exile
may WOO forgetfulness.
wilhelm fingered by the table for q
few moments. He was deep in thought.
IN. Albano," he said at last, 'to
have employment in London has long
been with me an ambitious dream
castle In the air-call 1t what you will.
l hate the garb of servility in which
you now see me. Oh there are times,
Monsieur, that l walk my room all
night, wild in thought, because l feel
was born for better things. Yet try
TO do my duty-my humble duty"
"Yes, yes, yes" said Albano, speak.
ing more briskly than was his wont.
That Is right-do your duty. l trust
do mine, humble though that Is. Do
not let pride interfere with that duty.
BE not self lf,consclous. Concentrate
your thoughts and energies In your
work, mental though some may call 1t.
Believe me. Wilhelm, a halo surrounds
the head of that man or woman who
does whatever his or her hand fndeth
10 do in no hal hearted way, but with
will, purpose and an honest pride
of action, feeling inwardly that duty Is
sacred thing. Study to be content
with the state in which Providence has
placed you, Wilhelm. Study that
study that"
"But, Monsieur, you would then
leave ambition out of count"
mo; oh, no! Only let your ambi-
tion be subservient to your duty. The
march of intellect-the march of the
worlds ever, ever onward. Better
yourself, by all means, If you can; by
so doing you may better the world.
But ambitious thoughts or actions must
never interfere with your hours of
, labor. These belong to your present
employer, Wilhelm"
Il see, Monsieur"
"Well, see and think of it. Mean.
while, here is u pass for the Grand
M corce, You will see me and
my little vlonn in the second row of
the orchestra. You will wait for me,
and we will sup together at the Rhonde.
Vile"
High over score of fddles at the
grand concert that evening NJ. Albano 5
little violin seemed to ring-seemed, at
all events-in WilhGm's ears, Just us
ore hears can listen only 10 the
night lgale voice amidst the babel of
bird voices in tho woods in early
spring.
After the performance Wilhelm
waited for what appeared quite long
time for his friend. All tue other mu.
sicians had dressed and filed away, but
still he came not
80, no !" was tie reply; M. Albano
has not gone. fH is talking TO the
manager. The manager wants him to
stay on, but he Insists on throwing up
his engagement
'Strange '' said wilhelm,
"Yes, it is strange. You are his
friend? Yes. Well, and even you do
rot seem able to fathom the mystery.
But this Albano is splendid violinist,
Any orchestra in Europe would be
willing to retain his services, and re.
munerate him well, Yet, although he
is.not rich, he is forever on the move,
Italy, Belgium, Norway; all countries
have him by turns, but none for long
Think you is your friend somewhat
distrait Z"
Il am sure he Is not. l only know
he has n reason or rpagOns for his